Television repair holder

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a device capable of supporting a table-size television set, or other device of similar size and weight distribution, in two positions advantageous to the performance of service and adjustment operations. More specifically, the proposed support device includes a pair of rail members which are arranged in parallel, spaced-apart relationship. One edge of these rail members is slightly concave, to conform to the convex shape of the television picture-tube or safety mask; whereas, the opposite edge of these rail members is angled so as to support the television set in at least two distinct servicing positions. Additionally, the concave edges are covered by a protective strip, and a metal angle bracket is attached to the angled end of each rail to support the bottom of the television set during repair operations.

United States atent [72) Inventor Leo C. Miller "110 Dodson Lane, Wheaton. Md. 20902 [21] Appl. No. 845,453 [22] Filed July 28, I969 [45] Patented Aug. [0, I97] [54] TELEVISION REPAIR HOLDER 8 Claims, 6 Drawing Figs.

{52] US. Cl 269/296, 248/371, 269/321H [51] Int. Cl B2311 3/00 [50] FieldofSearch 269/1132! H, 32] T, 289, 296; 248/137. 398, 371; 297/1, 130. 3 10, 270

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS l,326,4l5 l2/l9l9 Negus 297/1 2,482,306 9/1949 Waldheim 297/270 3,022,995 2/ I962 Sorenson 269/296 X 3,508,746 4/ l 970 Lindsay 269/17 FOREIGN PATENTS 295,6l7 I954 Switzerland 297/l Primary Examiner-Andrew R .Iuhasz Assistant ExaminerDonald D Evenson ABSTRACT: The present invention relates to a device capable of supporting a table-size television set, or other device of similar size and weight distribution, in two positions advantageous to the performance of service and adjustment operations. More specifically, the proposed support device includes a pair of rail members which are arranged in parallel, spaced-apart relationship. One edge of these rail members is slightly concave, to conform to the convex shape of the television picture-tube or safety mask; whereas, the opposite edge of these rail members is angled so as to support the television set in at least two distinct servicing positions. Additionally, the concave edges are covered by a protective strip, and a metal angle bracket is attached to the angled end of each rail to support the bottom of the television set during repair operations.

PATENTEDAUBIOIQ?! 3.598.394

mi 'hlllu.....

INVENTOR TELEVISION REPAliR HOLDER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention pertains to the art of television testing and repair. The proposed device is intended to reduce the expenditure of time and effort by the test technician or technicians, to provide increased safety to the technician during testing and repair operations, and to reduce the risk of physical and electrical damage to the television set during testing and repair operations.

2. Description of the Prior Art The prior art is not known to include the use of any mechanicalholding aids designed for the function described aboveand'configured to accommodate the television sets of modern configuration. Typically, therefore, television sets when being serviced are placed face down on cloth padding to achieve the full facedown position and are placed on one side (as viewed from "he front) to expose the bottom. Many, if not most, modern full-size table television sets, because of the weight of their internal parts, and their lack of rigidity when standing on one side, are vulnerable to breakage and marking when in these positions, and and indeed are easily tipped over accidentally wher. standing on one side. Boxes, old batteries, and similar objects are used in makeshift attempts to hold the sets when in any other necessary position. Current electronic and television service'peri'idicals are completely devoid of articles or ads regarding mechanical handling aids for benchwork.

SUM MARY OF THE INVENTION The proposed device of the present invention is capable of supporting a television set in both a stable face-down position with the front protected by the device itself from scratching or breakage, and in addition, in a most useful, tipped-forward position which exposes the bottom, the back, and the front screen simultaneously. Movement from one position to the other, or to the upright position, is easily accomplished without lifting the set or disconnecting test loads. The device, with the television set in position, can be easily pulled or pushed to a new location on any flat bench=top while in either service position.

More specifically, the proposed device is a holder, or sup: porting base, so configured that when supporting the weight of a table model television set or similar device, it will hold that device in two, stable positions not easily achiovcdby other means. The first position (tipped forward at approximately 50) exposes for easy access, the lower, roar screws holding the back to the cabinet. and the second position (foco=down) exposes the bottom attaching screws which hold the chassis in the cabinet. The chassis does not tend to fall out of the cabinet in either position. Oncc the back has been removed, both posi= tions are advantageous as access to various parts is required for test, adjustment, or replacement. Quick and cosy transfer from one position to the other reduces the time required to of= fcct repairs, and reduces the risk of damage to the television set, or injury to the technician.

A unique aspect of the subject invention is the angle at which the television set and the holder are tiltod for the first, or tipped-forward position. This angle is selected to melts the device most universally useful, i.o., the angle is picked to make the combination of television set and holder stable with the widest possible selection of television sets. This means that the center of gravity oi'tho combination of television sat and holder must be directly above some portion of the angled cut, or taper, of the supporting side rails whon the television sat and holder are tipped forward to the first position. The angle is selected at 50 from the vertical.

More specifically, and because of its unique configuration and construction, the device will support the television set as it is moved from the upright position to a tipped forward. and thence to a face-downward position, all with minimum effort and without lifting the weight of the television set. The tippedforward and face-downward positions are extremely useful attitudes for the television set during service, and the set remains in either of these positions in a stable manner by virtue of the weight of the television set itself applied to the geometric shape of the holder. The device is extremely rugged, has no moving parts, and will perform the abovedescribed function for substantially any table-size television set (with normal weight distribution).

The principal objective of this invention is to provide a television repair holder which will save time for the television repair technician during the normal disassembiy, testing, ad justment, and repair of table-model television sets.

A further objective of this invention is to provide a television repair holder which will preserve the finish of television sets while in the process of disassembiy, test, adjustment, and repair.

A further objective of this invention is to provide a television repair holder which will reduce the risk of accidental upset and resulting damage to a television set while in the process of disassembly, test, adjustment and repair.

A further objective of this invention is to provide a television repair holder which will provide increased safety from physical injury or electrical shock to the test technician while performing television disasscmbly, test, adjustment, and repair.

A further objective of this invention is to provide a television repair holder which permits easy movement of u televi sion set from the normal upright position to either of the additionnl service positions without the necessity of ever lifting the weight of the set.

A further objective of this invention is to provide a television repair holder which can be easily moved from one location to another on a horizontal work surface while the repair holder and television set are in either the tipped=forward or face-down positions.

A further objective of this invention is to provide a television repair holder which will hold the widest possible variety of tablo=modcl television sets in the grsvlty=stablo mode while in either the tippod=forward or faco=down position.

A further objective of this invention is to provide a television repair holder which has no moving parts, is economical to manufacture, and is compact, long=lived, and durable.

Qther objects, purposes and features of the present invention will in part be pointed out as the description of the present invention progresses and in part be obvious from the accompanying drawings wherein;

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled holder constituting one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view oftho holder showing the typical shape oftho side rails;

FIG. 3 is a front view of tho holder showing the position of the crossmomhors and the metal brackets;

FIG. 4 shows the holder supporting a television set oftypical shape (dottcti) in the full, facc=downword position;

FIG. 5 shows the holder and television set in the tipped-forward position; and

FIG. ti shows the holder and television set in the upright position.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The main frame of the proposed holder device (refer to FIG. 1) is formod of two side rails i made of, for example, pressed wood or plywood. in practice, side rails approximately i9 inches long and 5% inches high have proven satisfactory. During assembly, side rails i are placed perpendicular to a horizontal supporting surface, with the long edge down, and joined together by two connecting crossmembors or bars 2 made from, for example, wooden Z-byZs, attached by screws at either end.

The bottom edges of the side rails 1 are cut upward at an angle of approximately 40 adjacent the right-hand end in FIG. 2 to provide the base for the first service position and two I conform to the normal convex front of a television set, and

these top edges are then covered with strips of resilient niaterial or padding to prevent marking or scratching the front of the television set as it is handled on the holder, and also to prevent slippage of the television set on the holder as work is performed.

in normal operation, the television repair holder is used as follows: The holder (designated by reference numeral 6 in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6) is placed against the face of the television set 7, near the horizontal centerline of the television set, with the metal support brackets 3 and 4 sliding under the front edge of the television set, as shown in FIG. 6. Some television cabinets are so shaped that they must be tipped backward slightly to allow the metal brackets 3 and 4 to slide underneath the front edge. The television set 7 is now pushed forward onto the holder 6. On many television cabinets, the metal brackets will engage and support the flange or frame around the picturetube, rather than the extreme lower front edge. This is an equally satisfactory arrangement. As the television set 7 and holder 6 are pushed forward together, they first come to the stable, tipped-forward position shown in H6. 5 wherein the center of gravity (C.G.) of set 7 overlies the angled portion of rails i. The stability of the holder-television set combination is at this point tested by gently pushing and pulling the combination away from the stable position to assure that it is suitably stable for use in the repair operation. As mentioned previously, an angle of approximately 50 from the vertical has been found to be satisfactory for-the tipped-forward position of FIG. 5. The selection of the proper angle for the holder position assures that all but the most unusual television configurations will be stable in this position.

in the tipped-forward position of FIG. 5, the screws which hold the back cover of the television set 7 can be easily removed, even if they attach vertically upward at the rear of the set. Many television sets can be completely disassembled, tested, adjusted, and repaired in this tipped=forward position. For those sets which have a bottom plate covering circuitry, wiring, or components on the bottom of the set, it will be desirable to push the television set 7 and holder 6 tbrthcr for= ward to the full face-down position, as shown in FlG. 4, wherein the center of gravity (C.G.) of set 7 overlies the flat, left-hand portion of rails i. When first placed in this latter position, the stability of the television set 7 and holder 6 should be tested by gently pushing and pulling it away from the stable position. The testing of the television set, adjust= ment, parts replacement, and reassembly can now be readily accomplished, even if the television set need be repeatedly moved from the face-down to the tipped=fcrward position and back. Mirrors can easily be used to view the screen in either position, as is common practice when the television set is upright. Even if the upright position of FIG. 6 is found dcsira= ble during the repair, the television set 7 can be restored to that position and the holder 6 removed and replaced with minimum effort.

iclaim: 1. A device for supporting a television set or the like during serv cing, comprising a pair of elongated rail members disposed in substantially parallel, spaced-apart relationship, v each of said rail members having a top edge adapted to receive and support said television set or the like, and each of said rail members having a bottom edge which is angled upwardly adjacent one end of said rail member to divide said bottom edge into an angled portion and a remaining flat portion defining at least two servicing positions for said device, said angled portion of each of said bottom edges being dimensioned to underlie the center of gravity of said television set or the like when said rail members are resting on said angled portions and the remaining flat portion of said bottom edges being dimensioned to underlie the center of gravity of said television set or the like when said rail members are resting on said remaining fiat portions and means affixed to said pair of rail members for maintaining said television set or the like longitudinally on said rail members when said device is moved from one servicing position to another.

2. The device specified in claim I wherein the top edge of each of said rail members has a concave configuration to conform with the normal convex front of a television set.

3. The device specified in claim 1 wherein the top edge of each of said rail members is covered with padding material.

4. The device specified in claim i further including a pair of crossmembcrs connected between said rail members adjacent the opposite ends of said rail members for maintaining said rail members in said parallel, spaeed=apart relationship.

5. The device specified in claim 1 wherein said maintaining means includes bracket means affixed to each of said rail members at said one end for engaging said television set or the like.

6. The device specified in claim 5 wherein said bracket means extend upwardly at right angles from the top edges of said rail members.

7. The device specified in claim 1 wherein the angled portion of the bottom edge of each of said rail members is angled upwardly at approximately 40.

8. The device specified in claim 2 and further including:

a strip of padding material affixed to the top edge of each of said rail members,

a pair of crossmcmbcrs connected between said rail members adjacent the opposite ends of said rail members for maintaining said rail members in said parallel. spaced apart relationship, and

an angle bracket affixed to each of said rail members at said one end of said rail members for engaging said television 1 set or the like. 

1. A device for supporting a television set or the like during servicing, comprising a pair of elongated rail members disposed in substantially parallel, spaced-apart relationship, each of said rail members having a top edge adapted to receive and support said television set or the like, and each of said rail members having a bottom edge which is angled upwardly adjacent one end of said rail member to divide said bottom edge into an angled portion and a remaining flat portion defining at least two servicing positions for said device, said angled portion of each of said bottom edges being dimensioned to underlie the center of gravity of said television set or the like when said rail members are resting on said angled portions and the remaining flat portion of said bottom edges being dimensioned to underlie the center of gravity of said television set or the like when said rail members are resting on said remaining flat portions and means affixed to said pair of rail members for maintaining said television set or the like longitudinally on said rail members when said device is moved from one servicing position to another.
 2. The device specified in claim 1 wherein the top edge of each of said rail members has a concave configuration to conform with the normal convex front of a television set.
 3. The device specified in claim 1 wherein the top edge of each of said rail members is covered with padding material.
 4. The device specified in claim 1 further including a pair of crossmembers connected between said rail members adjacent the opposite ends of said rail members for maintaining said rail members in said parallel, spaced-apart relationship.
 5. The device specified in claim 1 wherein said maintaining means includes bracket means affixed to each of said rail members at said one end for engaging said television set or the like.
 6. The device specified in claim 5 wherein said bracket means extend upwardly at right angles from the top edges of said rail members.
 7. The device specified in claim 1 wherein the angled portion of the bottom edge of each of said rail members is angled upwardly at approximately 40*.
 8. The device specified in claim 2 and further including: a strip of padding material affixed to the top edge of each of said rail members, a pair of crossmembers connected between said rail members adjacent the opposite ends of said rail members for maintaining said rail members in said parallel, spaced-apart relationship, and an angle bracket affixed to each of said rail members at said one end of said rail members for engaging said television set or the like. 